The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) has formalized relations with the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) by signing a recognition and procedure agreement focused on sound labor relations and a productive workspace.
Key goals contained in the agreement between the not-for-profit organization and the union are to enforce workplace laws and ensure fair representation during disciplinary proceedings.
The contract also addresses disputes between the employer and the union, providing a structured approach to resolving workplace conflicts.
The Deputy General Secretary of NAPWU, Mateus Ndeshikeya, stressed that the signed documentation is enforceable by law and should thus be regarded as more than just a piece of paper.
Ndeshikeya told workers that their strength and their voice lie in unity.
"It has been a long while since we have been engaging and polishing the document, perfecting it to the point that today we are happily here saying we are going to sign this relationship or document. I call upon the workers of NAPWU to familiarize themselves with the terms of the recognition agreement because we, as NAPWU, are striving to ensure that our members adhere to the established labor principles and regulations. We do not condone the unruliness of our members, but we advocate for compliance with the rules and for strong performance because only through performance, when we perform as workers, will we seek recognition from the employer for our efforts."
The Country Director for Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Hans Lanz, stressed the significance of the signed agreement.
"Today we are opening a new chapter because we are not funding any programs; we are harvesting the fruits of your work. This means that you will represent workers in workplaces, and now you will represent workers in my workplace. So all of a sudden, we will be dealing as trade union representatives and employers on more official terms, which I am looking forward to. Now, you mentioned disputes, but I don’t foresee any disputes; we now have rules and regulations that we can discuss."